WHAT IS A SPOUSAL VISA?

The Spousal Visa is a two-year visa that is renewable. It is a temporary resident visa that falls under the Relatives category of visas and is available to both heterosexual and same-sex couples.

WHO CAN APPLY FOR A SPOUSAL VISA?

A foreigner who is married to a South African Citizen or Permanent Resident for at least two years or more are eligible to apply for a Spousal Visa. A new application must be made by the applicant outside of South Africa, although extensions can be done in South Africa.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF THE SPOUSAL VISA?

The Spousal Visa allows the foreign spouse the option to add working, business, or study rights to their Spousal Visa.

If the foreign spouse has been married to their South African spouse for five or more years, he or she is eligible to apply for Permanent Residency.

IMPORTANT RULES IN ORDER TO QUALIFY FOR A SPOUSAL VISA:

The most important requirement is that the relationship must have been in existence for at least two years. The simplest way to show proof that the relationship has been in existence for at least two years is to provide your marriage certificate or registration of the union.

In the case of a foreign spouse having been in a prior relationship, the finalized divorce documents must be provided.